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Applicants must meet all of the minimum qualifications. Except as noted herein, any failure to meet one or more of the minimum qualifications will result in your immediate disqualification. Please note that some standards have particular time limits associated with them. If this applies to your situation, you may later become eligible and apply once those time limits have lapsed. If you have already scheduled an appointment and find that you do not meet the minimum qualifications, please contact the Denver Civil Service Commission at (720) 913-3375.

As the largest metropolitan Police department in Colorado, the Denver Police Department provides outstanding opportunities for a career in law enforcement. The Department attracts and hires people from varied backgrounds and with varied experiences. In a typical year, the Denver Civil Service Commission will test well over a thousand Police applicants and will actively screen hundreds of those applicants for Denver Police Academy consideration. The selection process for Police Officer is very competitive. The Minimum Qualifications and additional screening standards for the position reflect the high standards demanded of individuals who will be given the authority and responsibility to enforce the law, and who must be able to maintain the public's confidence and trust.

Prior to submitting a Police Officer application, an individual should critically assess his or her own background in light of not only the Minimum Qualifications for the position, but also the additional screening standards. The testing and screening process is designed to ensure not only that applicants meet the Minimum qualifications, but also that the best qualified applicants are considered for hire. As with any application process, Denver wants to hire applicants that will perform the job of Police Officer efficiently, effectively and safely.

Applicants who do not demonstrate maturity, responsible behavior and sound decision making skills will not be considered for hire. The personal characteristics and values that are deemed essential to performing the duties and responsibilities of a Police Officer include the following: honesty; integrity; personal ethics; compliance with laws, rules, regulations and orders; dependability; good judgment; self-control; interpersonal skills; respect for others; respect for diversity; and teamwork. An applicant's prior conduct is an indication of whether the applicant possesses these personal characteristics and values.

No one expects a Police applicant to have a "perfect" background. However, your background is required to reflect the maturity, integrity and judgment appropriate for a Police Officer, otherwise you are not likely to be successful in the testing/selection process.

The written test is administered via computer at the Civil Service Commission’s Office.

Video Test:

A video test is administered to police applicants upon successful completion of the written test. Fire applicants do not take videotest. This test may take up to 5 hours to complete. Please plan your schedule accordingly. The results are immediate. You will receive your scores when you leave. Afterwards, the Commission will notify you if your score is high enough to be invited on for further processing.

Required Number of Trips to Denver

This will depend on the Testing Calendar and academy start dates; applicants should plan on making 3-4 trips to Denver to complete the testing/screening. For more information

First trip: Test Phases 1 thorough-3

Second trip: Test Phases 5 through 9, and will be 3 to 5 days

Third trip: Test Phase 11, and will be approximately one day

Fourth trip: Medical Evaluation and Fingerprinting, and will be approximately 3 days

How can you prepare:

It can take from six months to a year to complete all the testing/screening phases. As a result you can begin to prepare by:

Any request for an exemption from disqualfication will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who are granted an exemption may re-aply when testing slots are available. In some circumstances, particular criminal matters are not eligible for granting of an exemption. For information regarding an Exemption from Disqualification review the Civil Service Rule 3 § 1 (D). A request for an Exemption must be in writing, and forwarded to the Executive Director, Earl Peterson, 201 W. Colfax Ave., Dept. 1208, Denver, Colorado, 80202-5322.

Applicants who are unable to keep their scheduled appointment must contact the Civil Service Commission in advance of their test start time in order to avoid a “no-show” fee being assessed. To cancel your appointment, please contact Felisa Urdiales at (720) 913-3365 or via e-mail atfelisa.urdiales@denvergov.org. If you do not cancel your appointment as instructed, you will be assessed a $25.00 no show fee and you will be prohibited from testing for six (6) months from your original scheduled appointment date.

Upon canceling your appointment, if you would like to reschedule your appointment, you will be required to reapply and reschedule via our website www.denvergov.org/civilservice .

Cancellation of Suitability or Polygraph Appointments

Applicants who do not cancel thier scheduled Suitability Interiew or Polygraph appointment in advance and fail to show up for their scheduled appointment may be disqualified, required to wait one year from the date of the written test to re-apply, and will be assessed the following fees:

Police Officer Applicant Self Assessment

No one expects a Police applicant to have a "perfect" background. However, your background is required to reflect the maturity, integrity and judgment appropriate for a Police Officer, otherwise you are not likely to be successful in the testing/selection process.

Police Officers are required to demonstrate the highest possible personal integrity through their honesty and ethical conduct. Police Officers must be truthful. Police Officers need to faithfully perform their duties and always do the right thing for the right reason.

Self Review:

Have you demonstrated a history of honesty, integrity and personal ethics in your business and personal life?

Do you admit to and understand past mistakes?

Have you refrained from using employment or a position of authority for personal gain?

Are you willing to undergo a confidential background investigation? The background investigation will include a confidential inquiry with both listed and unlisted references as to your character and suitability to become a Police Officer. Prior employers, military personnel, friends, relatives and other individuals will be contacted to verify information that you have provided and to verify your suitability.

Police Officers must possess good common sense and must demonstrate through their past behavior that they can analyze a situation quickly, make sound and responsible decisions and take appropriate action.

The Commission will conduct criminal and motor vehicle records checks. The Commission considers your age at the time of any offense, the severity of the offense and any fines and/or penalties imposed. Any demonstrated behaviors that exhibit a pattern of unwillingness to comply with laws, rules, regulations or orders raises serious concerns about your character and your judgment.

Do not assume that juvenile records are automatically cleared upon becoming an adult. Additionally, accepting a plea bargain or completing a deferred judgment or sentence does not necessarily clear your criminal record. Please verify your eligibility prior to submitting a Police application.

Self Review:

Is your background free of legal issues?

Do you obey laws, rules, regulations and orders?

Do you engage in safe driving practices?

Do you have outstanding warrants?

Have you recently received any motor vehicle tickets or has your license been recently suspended?

Do you have a history of DWAI, or DUI or have you driven without insurance?

Police Officers must demonstrate maturity, good decision making skills, initiative and the ability to follow through on commitments without constant supervision and detailed instruction. Police Officers must critically analyze options and determine an appropriate course of action in a given situation. Police officers must maintain good working relationships and must be able to interact effectively with the public.

Self Review:

Have you demonstrated dependability in your work and personal life?

Have you made good decisions in your work and personal life?

Have you completed work as required and on schedule?

Are you fiscally responsible and have you acted responsibly in your financial obligations? Are there mitigating circumstances?

Have you demonstrated sound decision making skills and have you exercised self-control and restraint?

Police Officers must deal effectively with others in a cooperative and courteous manner. Police Officers must be able to work effectively alone or as a member of a larger team. Police Officers must demonstrate impartiality in dealing with issues of age, gender, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity, disability, religion and cultural diversity.

Self Review:

Do you understand the impact of words and behaviors on others and do you modify your behavior, comments or course of action accordingly?

Do you have concern for the feelings and perspectives of others?

Do you use tact and diplomacy to achieve goals, resolve disputes, and to diffuse or deescalate conflict?

Have you been involved in any incidences of domestic violence as the perpetrator?

Do you have a history of telling racist or sexist jokes or making biased comments?

Are you able to effectively work as a member of a team, making appropriate contributions and recognizing the achievement of others?

Police Officers must be physically and mentally able to perform the essential functions of a Police Officer (with or without reasonable accommodation). The mental and physical demands of the Police Academy followed by an extensive field-training program and rigorous work schedules place heavy demands on those entrusted to serve as a Police Officer. Are you physically and mentally prepared to become a Police Officer?

Self Review:

Do you know the detailed duties and responsibilities of a Police Officer?

Are you currently participating in a physical fitness program?

Are you prepared to work various shifts, weekends and holidays?

Have you participated in any Police department "ride-a-longs"?

Is your family supportive of your decision to become a Police Officer?